Category: School

Taylor Vause – 1st grader at Riversink Elementary

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Principal: L. Hernandez

Achievements/Reason for Nomination: Taylor Vause is a straight A student in Mrs. Temple’s 1st grade class at RES. She performs as a Level 5 in both math and reading. She has been the top reader with the most words read in her grade 2 months this school year. Taylor is a leader among her peers because of her intelligence, compassion and willingness to help her classmates as well as other students in the school. She enjoys taking dance classes. She also was recently chosen to display her artwork at the Wakulla High School Art Exhibit. She is dependable, funny, sweet and smart! And she deserves to be celebrated!

Wakulla Academic team excels

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The team scores second in the state

Academic team of Ronin Taylor, Gavin Mullins, Troy Thaxton, and Matthew Thaxton.

By BILL TAYLOR
Academic Team Coach

Wakulla High School has something to celebrate. The school’s Academic Team recently finished second in the state of Florida at the 2026 Commissioner’s Academic Challenge, competing against teams from school districts across the entire state.
It is the latest chapter in a proud tradition — the Wakulla Academic Team was founded by the Coastal Optimists Club more than 40 years ago, and has competed in all 39 editions of the Commissioner’s Academic Challenge since the tournament began in 1986.

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Blakely Wade– Kindergartner at Medart Elementary

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Principal: Stan Ward

Achievements/Reason for Nomination: Blakely is a shining example of what it means to be a model kindergarten student. Each day, she comes to school ready to learn, demonstrating a strong work ethic and a genuine love for learning. Academically, she consistently meets and exceeds expectations, eagerly participating in lessons and taking pride in her work. She shows outstanding citizenship by following classroom rules, showing kindness to her peers, and always being respectful to teachers and classmates. A natural leader, she sets a positive example for others by helping classmates, making thoughtful choices, and encouraging those around her. Her positive attitude, responsibility, and caring nature make her a true star student and a joy to have in the classroom.

Ja’riya Cole – 4th grader, Crawfordville Elementary

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Principal: Alena Crawford

Achievements/Reason for Nomination: Ja’riya Cole is a fourth-grade student who is a great example of hard work and kindness. She has earned straight A’s all year and stays organized in everything she does. Ja’riya is kind to everyone and is a positive leader to have in the classroom. This year, she won the fourth-grade 4-H Public Speaking Competition, and she also placed third in the school spelling bee. She is an example of what it means to be a successful student!

Sydney Baker – 12th grader, Wakulla High School

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Sydney Baker – 12th grader, Wakulla High School

Principal: Michele Falk

Achievements/Reason for Nomination: Wakulla High School proudly recognizes senior Sydney Baker as Student of the Week for her outstanding leadership and dedication to excellence. As president of the National Honor Society, Sydney leads a student-driven organization that has grown to over 175 members this year, setting a remarkable standard for involvement and achievement. She has been an exemplary leader, spearheading fundraising efforts that have raised more than $5,000 to support NHS scholarships. Sydney’s contagious energy and commitment to building school spirit have left a lasting mark on campus, most notably through her organization of a highly successful, school-wide Spring Carnival. Beyond her leadership accomplishments, she truly embodies the NHS pillars of character, service, and scholarship in everything she does. Sydney’s future is bright as she prepares to attend Florida State University’s College of Engineering beginning this summer. Wakulla High is proud to celebrate her many achievements.

Wakulla High junior Mattie Harrell named Sunshine State Scholar

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Junior Mattie Harrell represents Wakulla Schools among the state’s highest-performing students.

Special to The Sun

Wakulla High School proudly recognizes junior Mattie Harrell as this year’s Sunshine State Scholar, an honor that celebrates Florida’s top students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The Sunshine State Scholars Program, sponsored by the Florida Department of Education, highlights one outstanding senior from each district who demonstrates exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to excellence in STEM fields. Mattie represents Wakulla County Schools among the state’s highest-performing students.

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WHS theatre students go to Tampa

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Wakulla High School Theatre in Tampa for the annual Florida Thespian Competition where they were named a Gold Level Honor Troupe, the highest distinction awarded.

By KRISSY SANCHEZ
Special to The Sun

Wakulla High School Theatre took 27 students to Tampa this week for the Annual Florida Thespian Competition.
At this event students compete in various categories from performance to technical events. In addition to competing, students get to attend workshops with Broadway professionals and attend main stage performances on some of Tampa’s finest stages.

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Riley Gwin – 6th grader, Wakulla Middle School

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Riley Gwin

Principal: Amy Bryan

Achievements/Reason for Nomination: Riley Gwin is a wonderful student and a pleasure to have in class. Riley comes to class each day ready to learn and always works hard to complete all assignments. Riley consistently stays on task and takes pride in doing quality work. In addition to being a responsible student, Riley is also very kind and helpful to others. Riley is always willing to assist classmates and shows respect to both peers and teachers. Riley’s positive attitude and strong work ethic help make his classroom a great place to learn. Outside of school, Riley enjoys watching and reading anime, especially Jujutsu Kaisen. WMS is proud to recognize Riley Gwin as our Student of the Week!

Optimist essay winners announced

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WHS Principal Michele Falk, contest chair Nancy Floyd Richardson and Jo Ann Daniels congratulate the WHS first, second and third place winners, Tristen Hubbell, Ashlyn Haynes and Scarlette Brown.

Special to The Sun

Wakulla High School and Riversprings Middle School recently participated in the essay contest sponsored by the Coastal Optimist Club.
The theme for this year’s contest was “How My Acts of Service Help Me Understand What My Community Means to Me.” Students were given the opportunity to write an essay of 700 to 800 words for cash prizes.

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